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Synonym Chooser

How is the word mundane distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words earthly and worldly are common synonyms of mundane. While all three words mean "belonging to or characteristic of the earth," mundane suggests reference to the immediate and practical.

a mundane discussion of finances

In what contexts can earthly take the place of mundane?

While in some cases nearly identical to mundane, earthly often implies a contrast with what is heavenly or spiritual.

abandoned earthly concerns and entered a convent

How are the words worldly and mundane related?

Worldly and mundane both imply a relation to the immediate concerns and activities of human beings, worldly suggesting tangible personal gain or gratification.

worldly goods

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of mundane Even mundane needs such as municipal snow removal can fall under the foundation’s remit. Jack Fowler, National Review, 4 July 2025 Karen Solie looks at the most mundane details of the commercialized landscape and, with a few twists, turns them to gold. Literary Hub, 1 July 2025 Activities that were once a regular or even mundane part of life — taking kids to school, buying groceries, driving — have become daunting as immigrants who lack legal authorization grapple with how to avoid arrest and deportation. Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025 Even their most mundane activities, to Domoslay-Paul, were enchanting. Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for mundane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mundane
Adjective
  • With young players like Nick Kurtz, Tyler Soderstrom and now Colby Thomas vying for everyday spots in the A’s lineup, is there any chance the Tigers could pry Brent Rooker away from the Athletics?
    Jim Bowden, New York Times, 9 July 2025
  • Stewart and company now have more than 1,200 reels of everyday treasure in the archive, thanks to 50 or so South Side families.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Generally, Proverbs-Job-Ecclesiastes can be viewed as a temporal trilogy reflecting certainty about wealth and health type rewards in this life for righteousness, with a transition to questioning any such connection, and then cynicism.
    Walt Shelton, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
  • In recent years, the editors of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists have added factors ranging from climate change to artificial intelligence into their temporal calculus.
    Jonathon Keats, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Flying drones may avoid some problems navigating terrestrial obstacles and potentially be less intrusive and faster.
    Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025
  • As a result, Martian dust devils can be thrice as large as their terrestrial analogues.
    Unnati Ashar, Space.com, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • This year, Boissy was visibly in the best physical condition of his career, armed with a different mental approach to the game that fuelled his MVP run.
    Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • When opposition attackers launch the ball in his penalty area, John makes full use of his physical presence and 6ft 5in (196cm) frame.
    Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • In 2022, the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 paved the way for alternatives to animal testing, and in December 2023, an NIH advisory committee made similar recommendations to develop non-animal methods.
    Rachel Fobar, Vox, 14 May 2025
  • Rendering is a process that transforms animal by-products, like leftover meat and fats...and yes, chicken feet, into usable materials, such as animal feed, fuel, and other industrial products.
    Phil Kafarakis, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • The moon is not the only thing that can shorten earthly days.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 9 July 2025
  • For those in the New Apostolic Reformation, these flags symbolize the belief that when all earthly authority fails, people have the right to appeal directly to God’s authority to justify resistance.
    Art Jipson, The Conversation, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Of the threats of bodily harm and even death to men who got in the way.
    Marco della Cava, USA Today, 3 July 2025
  • Aren’t dino farms, in which the poor creatures are kept alive just to be drained of their precious bodily fluids, the next step?
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • While this town certainly feels quaint, its worldly dishes, celebrated galleries, and specialty shops attract visitors in the South and beyond.
    Brennan Long, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
  • Concluding Thought Since a personal guarantee is a pledge of all one's worldly non-exempt assets to back the underlying loan, a personal guarantee is basically a financial noose that one puts their head into and then waits to see if the trapdoor opens.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mundane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mundane. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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